Oral cancer is an aggressive form of cancer that can be difficult to detect in its early stages, making it particularly important for individuals to take preventive measures to protect their oral health. By incorporating certain lifestyle changes and making regular visits to the dentist, people can drastically reduce their risk of developing this serious condition.
You can stay on top of your oral health and prevent oral cancer by seeking out general dentistry near you in Texas and keeping up with regular check-ups. Call Wambaugh Dental at 281.501.7849 today for more information or to schedule an appointment.
What Is Oral Cancer?
Oral cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is a type of cancer that affects any part of the oral cavity. This includes:
- Lips
- Tongue
- Cheeks
- Gums
- Roof of mouth
- Floor of mouth
- Salivary Glands
Oral cancer can also affect other parts of the face, such as the nose or sinuses. In general, most cases of oral cancers are caused by long-term exposure to certain risk factors, such as using tobacco or alcohol products and excessive sun exposure to the lips.
Symptoms vary depending on where in the mouth cancer originates but may include:
- Persistent soreness in the throat or mouth area
- Difficulty eating or swallowing
- Change in voice
- Growths or lumps in the neck or mouth area
- Red or white patches in the mouth or on the tongue
- Chronic bad breath or metallic taste in the mouth
- Pain in one ear without any infection
Treatment for oral cancer may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Early detection is key to successful treatment, so it is important to watch out for symptoms and visit a doctor if anything unusual is noticed. It’s also essential to reduce risk factors such as smoking, drinking alcohol, and excessive sun exposure. With proper diagnosis and care, most people can make a full recovery from oral cancer.
Causes and Risk Factors for Oral Cancer
It is important to be aware of the potential risk factors and causes associated with oral cancer. Causes and risk factors for oral cancer include:
- Tobacco use – This includes cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, and snuff. Smoking or using other forms of tobacco increases your risk of developing oral cancer significantly.
- Excessive exposure to the sun – Damage from UV radiation can cause changes in cells which may lead to oral cancers.
- HPV (human papillomavirus) – Research suggests there is an association between certain types of HPV infection and some types of oral cancers.
- Alcohol consumption – Heavy drinking over long periods of time has been linked to an increased risk of developing oral cancer.
- Diet and nutrition – Poor diet, particularly one that is low in fruits and vegetables, may be a risk factor for developing oral cancer.
- Age – Oral cancers are more common among people over the age of 50.
- Gender – Men tend to have higher rates of oral cancers than women.
- Genetics – A family history of abnormal cell growth or certain genetic syndromes may increase your risk of developing oral cancer.
- Poor oral hygiene – Not brushing and flossing regularly can cause bacteria and other microorganisms to build up in the mouth, which could lead to the development of mouth cancer.
It is important to be aware of these potential risk factors and causes for oral cancer so that you can take steps to reduce your chances of developing this serious condition.
How Do I Prevent Oral Cancer?
The American Cancer Society recommends an oral cancer screening exam every three years for people over the age of 20 and annually for those over age 40. In addition, we encourage you to:
1. Conduct Regular Self-Exams
Using a bright light and a mirror, look at and feel your lips and gums. Try tilting your head back to look at and feel the roof of your mouth, and pull your cheeks out to look inside of your mouth, the lining of your cheeks, and your back gums. Pull out your tongue and look at all surfaces. Feel for lumps or enlarged lymph nodes on both sides of your neck and under your lower jaw. Please give us a call immediately if you notice any changes in the appearance of your mouth or any of the signs and symptoms mentioned above.
2. Maintain Healthy Habits
Don’t smoke or use any tobacco products and drink alcohol in moderation.
3. Eat a Well-Balanced Diet
This includes eating a wide variety of foods from the five primary food groups on a daily basis to meet the recommended amounts of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats you need in a given day.
4. Limit Sun Exposure
Repeated exposure increases the risk of cancer on the lips, especially the lower lip. When out in the sun, be sure to use UV-A/B-blocking sun-protective lotions on your skin as well as your lips.
5. Keep Up With Regular Screenings
Regular screening is an important part of reducing the risk of developing oral cancer. It is recommended that people see a dentist or other health professional at least once a year for a thorough examination of their mouth, tongue, throat, and surrounding tissue.
Preventative measures, early detection, and treatment are essential to preventing and improving outcomes from oral cancer.
Stay On Top of Your Oral Health With Help from Wambaugh Dental
At Wambaugh Dental, we believe that taking proactive steps to maintain your oral health is essential in preventing serious health concerns, such as oral cancer. That is why we encourage our patients to stay on top of their routine dental visits and exams. Regular check-ups can help catch any oral health issues that may be developing before they become more difficult to treat. Call 281.501.7849 or fill out our online contact form to schedule an appointment today.
